Our 1st Christmas and Early 1st Birthday!

Before the mess...The Cute Birthday Banner in the background was made by my Sister!

After the cake....The Boys were covered!
Happy Birthday to You....Why are they singing to me???

My Mom and Sister and all the Boys

The Wonderfully Delicious and Adorable Cakes

Before the Party and the Mess....

Children and Grandchildren and Greatgrandchildren!!(L to R): Gram (My Dad's mom) holding Luke, Me holding Liam, My Sister holding her son Calvin and our cousin's daughter Elizabeth Kennedy

Uncle Jason with the boys and Calvin

Grandpa Morse with Liam

The Boys and their New Toys!!

Grandma Mimi and Liam

We had a great trip to Arkansas to visit my family. The drive went well although not without a few problems. On the way down to AR, we encountered some serious snow storms in Iowa with heavy blowing snow that made visibility very difficult. Then, in northwest Arkansas, we were stopped for a wreck due to freezing rain and sat on the interstate for two hours without moving! Needless to say, the boys were going a little crazy after being in the car for so long. On the way home, John and I got some type of stomach bug, but we are doing much better now. We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed seeing everyone in my family as well as celebrating an early first birthday with our cousin Calvin. We had a polka dot themed party with matching onesies that Aunt Sarah painted for us and lot of round foods to fit our polka dot theme. We received lots of new toys that the boys are having a lot of fun with. Thank you to everyone who came to the birthday party and for the generous gifts you gave the boys. Happy New Year!

Twas the Night before Christmas.....

Merry Christmas!

We will be heading to Arkansas next week to spend Christmas with my family, but one last post before we head out. Over the weekend, we got several inches of snow and took the boys out again for another sled ride. They seemed to enjoy it although Liam was still a little unsure of the big purple snowsuit. We also exchanged gifts a little early and I got one very special gift that John and the boys prepared along with the kind help of some friends at John's work. I told them they should go into business with Hallmark! Here is what they wrote:

‘Twas before we were born, when all through the house, No little ones were stirring, not even a mouse. The nursery was ready and decorated with care, In hopes that Luke and Liam soon would be there.

On January 11th we were snug in our NICU beds, While visions of alarms and wires danced above our heads. Dad was overwhelmed with us both in his hands,We soon came home and you met all our demands.

When out of our room there arose such a clatter,You sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the nursery you flew like a flash, To find us needing food, diaper or a bath. Back to bed it was soon time to go,Without a good book we would say no.When dad read to us four eyes would appear,Becoming sleepier and sleepier as the end drew near.

With mom pushing the stroller so lively and quick, Neither of us could think of a place we would rather pick. After some time out in the sun, We loved the water from moms fake squirt gun.

"Now Crawling! now, standing! now, Laughing and Smiling!On Furniture! On, Stairs! on, each other we are Climbing!To the top of the crib! and out in the hall! Now don’t look away! We’ll Dash away! Dash away all!"

When you took us out to see the Twins,The day was so fun we all had big grins. Even though the Minnesota Twins were winning,These Twins we were ready to leave after the 7th inning.

To make Halloween scary, Thing 1 and 2 needed no directions,We accomplished that with 3 new teeth and 3 ear infections.We love being Jokers, laughing, and playing in the snow,But when the LL Train comes barreling through, you're sure to know.

The twins group play dates make our day,But we are the best of pals far and away. For we found we are more than just brothers, We just can’t get by with out each other.

We love all the traditions you've already begun,Tubby time with Mom and going out for a run. One of our favorite is Sunday morning baby cakes, You're always so patient and don't care how long it takes.

We’re tucked in our cribs all nice and sweet, So Mom and Dad you can now rest your feet.
We both know we’re precious in your sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Happy Holidays!

John, Hannah, Luke and Liam

Santa and Sledding

Who is this guy?
Visiting with Santa and we didn't even cry!

Daddy and Luke

Mommy pulling the boys

Our first snowball

Luke

Getting Ready for the Snow

Today, the boys had their first visit to see Santa Claus. They enjoyed it and were very interested in Santa and his beard. Luke loved pulling on the beard and Liam pretty much just sat and stared at Santa. I had a hard time getting either of them to look at the camera for a picture because they were too interested in watching Santa.

Over the weekend, we took the boys out in the snow for the first time. We were given a sled by some friends in New Jersey and tested it out in the backyard on a slightly "warmer" day for Minnesota in December. They boys seemed to love it, especially Luke. Liam is always a little tentative the first time around with most anything and he was not too sure about the big purple snowsuit we put on him. We got a few hand-me-down snow suits from a neighbor.

Next week, we will be heading to Arkansas to visit my family for Christmas and look forward to the time off, visting with family, and of course-the warmer weather. Have a great rest of the week.

Happy 11 Months Luke and Liam!

Happy 11 months Luke and Liam!

Mr. Silly

Sweet Luke and his curls

Can you see why it is easier to just take a bath after breakfast than try to clean them off?

Luke and Liam are 11 months old and the countdown begins to their first birthday! We also want to wish a happy 11 months to our cousin, Calvin. We are excited about celebrating our birthdays over Christmas. Luke is doing well with his burn on his hand and has adapted so quickly to the bandage. He is a much better patient than I would probably be!

Our First Boo Boo

Liam's new face...being silly
Poor Luke

See my bandage!

The infamous fireplace

We had our first "injury" over the weekend. Other than a few bumps and bruises, we have been fortunate in the first year of life that the boys have not had any injuries-until now, that is. I have always said that Luke is a very happy baby unless he is tired or hungry. You can add unless he is tired, hungry, or injured to that list. This morning while I was out running and John was watching the boys, Luke burned the palm of his right hand. John was changing Liam's diaper and Luke put his hand on the outside of the glass on our fireplace. Both boys have a facination with the fireplace and are very very familiar with the word "No" in relationship to playing with the fireplace. However, they are also very fast and know that when mom or dad are changing diapers then it is easier to do things that we are not supposed to do. Oh yes, they are quite smart! They always turn to see our reactions as they reach for the fireplace glass. This morning, unfortunately, the fireplace was on and the glass was very hot so Luke got burned on his hand. We had to visit the pediatrician to make sure he was o.k. because he was quite upset. He is going to be fine and has a little bandage on his hand for a few days to keep it clean, but that has not stopped him from trying to feed himself or crawl around on the floor even though he does not want to put any pressure on his hand.

We also had our first measurable snowfall this weekend and the temperatures are much colder than normal for this time of year (or so everyone says). John and I enjoyed our first night out in several months on Saturday thanks to a babysitter for the boys. We had a nice dinner, we were able to actually read the menus, and we did not have to worry about cleaning up the "cheerio bomb" that frequently surrounds our table when we eat out at restaurants. What a nice evening!